Wire mesh working apparatus

ABSTRACT

A reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus includes a frame having pairs of support wheels and a spindle for rotatably supporting a roll of wire mesh web on the frame so that the web may be unrolled and passed beneath a pair of the support wheels for decontouring the web; the frame, which may be adjustable in height or length, also carries additional decontour means and a removable bender for bending the web to desired angular configurations, the additional decontour means and the spindle may be mounted in different positions on the frame. Two manually operable embodiments of the wire mesh working apparatus are disclosed. Also disclosed is a powered wire mesh working apparatus which includes an electrically powered web feed device, and a hydraulically powered bending mechanism, web cutter and frame height-adjusting means.

United States Patent Spencer [11] 3,8 14,144 [451 June 4,1974

[ WIRE MESH WORKING APPARATUS [75] Inventor: Owen C. Spencer, Blue Island, 111.

[73] Assignee: Metropolitan Chicago Baptist Association, S.B.C., Broadview, 111.

22 Filed: Feb. 3, 1972 21 Appl. No.: 223,190

Related Application Data- [63] Continuation-impart of Ser. No 25,970, April 6, 1970, Pat. N0. 3,688,810.

[52] U.S. Cl... 140/107, 7 2/183, 404/100 [51] Int. Cl B2lf 33/00 [58] Field oi'Search; 72/160,161, 164, 183;

[56] References Cited 2 UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,750,984 6/1956 Miller 72/160 2,783,817 3/1957 Leroy 72/183 2,814,326 11/1957 Washabaugh 140/107 3,397,565 8/1968 Ritter et a1 140/107 3,496,968 2/1970 Sutterwhite 140/107 3,678,971 7/1972 Nordgren 140/107 Primary Examiner-Lowell A. Larson Attorney, Agent, or FirmLester N. Arnold 5 7] ABSTRACT A reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus includes a frame having pairs of support wheels and a spindle for rotatably supporting a roll of wire mesh web on the frame so that the web may be unrolled and passed beneath a pair of the support wheels for decontouring the web; the frame, which may be adjustable in height or length, also carries additional decontour means and a removable bender for bendingthe web to desired angular configurations, the additional decontour 'means and the spindle may be mounted in different positions on the frame. Two manually operable embodiments of the wire mesh working apparatus are disclosed. Also disclosed is a powered wire mesh working apparatus which includes an electrically powered web feed device, and a hydraulically powered bending mechanism, web cutter and frame height-adjusting means.

32 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures l WIRE MESH WORKING APPARATUS This application 'is a continuation-in-part of my copending US. application Ser. No. 25,970, filed April 6, 1970, and entitled Wire Mesh Working Apparatus, now Pat. No. 3,688,8l0. v

The present invention relates to the reinforcement of concrete and, more particularly, to apparatus for cutting and bending and otherwise working with webs of reinforcing wire mesh and placing the webs on an associated support surface at a construction site.

in particular, the present invention relates to mobile apparatus for unrolling a wire mesh from a roll thereof and decontouring the webas it is removed from the roll, the apparatus effecting significant savings in time and labor.

It is a general objectof the present invention to provide a reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus which embodies several significant improvements over heretofore known devices of this type, the invention in particular embodying improvements of the wire mesh an associated underlying support surface to support the frame thereon, and a spindle mounted on the frame for rotatably supporting an associated roll of wire mesh web thereon'to accommodate removal of the wire mesh web from the roll, the spindle and thesupport wheels being arranged in use to accommodate passage of the wire mesh web from the roll between the underlying support surface and selected ones of the support wheels in engagement therewith for decontouring the wire mesh web as it is removed from the roll.

In connection with the foregoing object, it is another object of the present invention to provide a reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus of the type set forth, which includes additional decontour means pivotally mounted on the frame for engagement with an unrolled portion of the wire mesh web to effect decontouring thereof, the additional decontour means being pivotally movable for following the wire mesh web as the diameter of the roll decreases to insure continuous engagement of the decontour means with the wire mesh web as it is removed from the roll.

In connection with the foregoing objects, still another object of the present invention is to provide a reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus of the type set forth, which further includes bias means resiliently urging the additional decontour means into engagement with the unrolled portion of the wire mesh web, and latch mechanism carried by the frame and engageable with the additional decontour means for holding the decontour means out of engagement with the wire mesh web against the urging of the bias means when the decontour means is not in use.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus of the type set forth which additionally includes a plurality of support legs carried by frame and extending therefrom in a direction different from the direction in which the support wheels extend, the frame being disposable ina working configuration supported solely by the wheels in rolling engagement with the underlying support surface and a loading configuration supported solely by the legs on the underlying support surface, the loading configuration facilitating the mounting and demounting of the spindle on the frame.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus of the type set forth, which includes mounting means accommodating mounting of the spindle in any of a plurality of different positions on the frame.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus of the type set forth, which includes bending mechanism removably mounted on the frame for engagement with an unrolled portion of the wire mesh web, whereby the bending mechanism may be readily removed from the frame without impairing the operation thereof when the bending mechanism is notin use.

lt'is'" another object of the present invention to pro-- vide a reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus of the typeset forth, wherein the spindle is arranged to accommodate removal of the wire mesh therefrom along a'predetermined path, the bending mechanism including clamping mechanism mounted on theframe and being movable between a clamping condition for holding the wire mesh web against movement along the path and a releasing condition accommodating free movement of the wire mesh web along the path, bias means resiliently urging the clamping mechanism into the clampingcondition thereof, anda bending plate mounted'on the frame for movement between a web passing position and a bending position, the bending plate in the web passing position thereof holding the clamping mechanism in the releasing condition thereof against the urging of the bias means, the bending plate in the bending position thereof accommodating movement of the clamping mechanism to the clamping condition thereof and cooperating therewith to bend the wire mesh to a predetermined angular configuration.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus of the type set forth, which further includes feed apparatus mounted on the frame for driving engagement with the wire mesh web and operable to effect movement thereof along a predetermined path from the roll to the bending mechanism, and drive means mounted on the frame and coupled to the feed apparatus and to the bending mechanism for effecting operation thereof, and control means coupled to the drive means and being selectively operable for controlling the actuation thereof.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide reinforcing'wire mesh working apparatus of the type set forth, wherein the frame includes heightadjusting means for adjusting the height of the frame above the underlying support surface.

In connection with the foregoing objects, still another object of the present invention is to provide a reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus of the type set forth, wherein the height-adjusting means is power-operated.

Further features of the invention pertain to the particular arrangement of the parts of the wire mesh working apparatus whereby the above-outlined and additional operating features thereof are attained.

The invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following specification taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus constructed in accordance with and embodying the features of a first embodiment of the present invention, with the wire mesh working apparatus shown in the working configuration thereof;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus of FIG. 1, shown disposed in the wire mesh loading configuration thereof;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary front perspective view of the reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus of FIG. 1, shown with the frame in an elevated position and including a wire mesh bending apparatus;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary top plan view of the bending mechanism of the reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view in vertical section taken along the line 55 in FIG. 4;

FIG. '6 is a top plan view of a reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus costructed in accordance with and embodying the features of a second embodiment to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the wire mesh working apparatus of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an end elevational view of a power-operate reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus constructed in accordance with and embodying the features .of a third embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the wire mesh working apparatus of FIG. 8'.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 5 of the drawings, there is illustrated a wire mesh working apparatus, generally designated by the numeral 100, constructed in accordance with and embodying the features of a first embodiment of the present invention, the wire mesh working apparatus 100 being adapted for bending, decontouring and laying in place a web 55 of reinforcing wire mesh as it is removed from a roll 50 thereof. The wire mesh web 55 typically includes a grid pattern of spaced-apart longitudinal wire strands 56 disposed at right angles to a transverse wire of spaced-apart transversewire strands 57, the transverse strands 57 preferably being welded to the longitudinal strands 56 in a well-known manner. In use, the wire mesh working apparatus 100 moves along an underlying support surface, which may be made up of the upper surfaces 65 of a plurality of pans 60 for laying concrete, the wire mesh working apparatus 100 depositing the web 55 of wire mesh on the support surface 65 as it rolls therealong.

More particularly, the wire mesh working apparatus 100 includes a frame, generally designated by the numeral 110, comprising a pair of parallel spaced-apart tubular outer side rails 109, each being substantially rectangular in transverse cross-section and provided wih a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart openings 111 in the outer side wall thereof. The side rails 109 are respectively 'slidably received within two relatively short tubular sleeves 112 each being substantially rectangular in transverse cross-section and being integral with a rectangular tubular inner front post'l13 extending substantially vertically upwardly therefrom. Each of the inner posts 113 is telescopically received within a complementary outer front post 114 and is slidable with respect thereto, each of the inner and outer posts 113 and 114 preferably being provided with a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart openings in the outer walls thereof for a purpose to be described more fully below.

Interconnecting' the outer front posts 114 at the upper ends thereof is a rectangular tubular crossbar 115 provided at the opposite ends thereof respectively with two rectangular tubular support legs 116 extending therefrom substantially normal thereto and respectively parallel to the side rails 109 in vertical alignment therewith. Connected to the crossbar 115 at locations spaced equidistantly inwardly from the opposite ends thereof are two rectangular tubular inner side rails '117 disposed substantially parallel to each otherand extending outwardly from the crossbar 115 in the direction opposite to the direction of the legs 116, the outer ends of the rails 117 being interconnected by a rear rectangular tubular crossbar 118. Connected to the crossbar 118 respectively at the opposite ends thereof are two rectangular tubular rear posts 119 extending downwardly therefrom substantially normal thereto and parallel to each other. Spaced apart longitudinally of each of the rails 117 and secured to the top walls thereof are a plurality of retaining lugs 138.

The frame 110 is supported on two pairs of front wheel assemblies 120 and a pair of rear wheel assemblies 130. The front wheel assemblies 120 are identically constructed, each including a wheel 12] mounted for rotation on an axle 122 having the-opposite ends thereof journalled in complementary openings respectively formed adjacent to the distal ends of thelegs 123 of a fork member, generally designated by the numeral 125. Respectively integral with the legs 123 at the upper ends thereof and offset a short distance inwardly thereof are two upper leg portions 124 interconnected to the upper ends thereof by a bight portion 126, the leg'portions and bight portion 126 being shaped complementary to an adjacent one of the outer side rails 109 and being sliclably receivable thereover, the outer one of the upper leg portions 124 having an opening therein dimensioned and arranged for alignment with a selected one of the openings '111 in the side rail 109 for receiving therethrough a complementary pin 127 to securely holdthe wheel assembly 120 in place at a selected position along the side rail 109. Each ofthe side rails 109 is provided with two of the front wheel assemblies 120, one of the wheel assemblies 120 being dis posed forwardly of the sleeve 112 and the other of the wheel assemblies 120 being disposed rearwardly of the sleeve 112.

It will also be noted that a pin 128 is provided for placement in a complementary opening in the sleeve 112 and the aligned one of the openings 11] in the side rail 109 for securely holding the rail 109 and the sleeve 112 in a predetermined position with respect to each other.

The rear wheel assemblies 130 are'also identically i constructed, each including a wheel 131 mounted for rotation about an axle 132 having the opposite ends thereof respectively journalled in complementary openings formed adjacent to thelower ends of the legs I 133 of a fork member 135. Respectively integral with the .legs 133 at the upper ends thereof are two flanges 137 extending inwardly therefrom substantially normal thereto, the, flanges 137 being respectively integral at the inner ends thereof with two upwardly extending inner leg portions 134 disposed substantially parallel to the legs 133. The upper ends of the inner leg portions 134 are interconnected by a bight portion 136 secured by suitable means to the bottom ends of the adjacent one of the rear posts 119. While different size wheels are shown in the drawing, it will be understood that all the wheels 121 and 131 may be'the same size. Thus, for example, large wheels may be desirable for use on soft or muddyground and small wheels on other types of surfaces.

It will be appreciated that the sliding engagement of the front wheel assemblies 120 and the sleeves 112 with the outer side rails 109' permits the longitudinal spacing between the pairs of front wheels 120 to be varied as desired. Thus, when the apparatus 110 is utilized for placing a wire mesh web 55 on a series of spaced-apart pans, as illustrated in F 1G. 1, the front wheel assemblies 120 may be so spaced as to insure that at all times at least two pairs of the wheel assemblies 120 and 130 will be in contact with the upper surfaces 65 of the pans 60 for providing secure and stable support for the apparatus 100.

Connected to each of the front outer posts 114 and extending inwardly therefrom substantially normal thereto toward the opposite post 114 are two vertically spaced-apart mounting studs 145 and 146 for mounting aspindle 140 thereon. More particularly, the spindle 140 includes an elongated shaft 141 provided with a plurality of generally rectangular vanes equidistantly spaced circumferentially therearound and extending radially outwardly therefrom, adjacent ones of the vanes 142 being interconnected by longitudinally spaced-apart brace members 143. Two end sleeves 1.44 are respectivelytelescopically received over the opposite ends of the shaft 141, the sleeves 144 also being telescopically receivable over selected ones of the mounting studs 145 and 146 for mounting the spindle 140 between the front posts 1l4. Thus, it will be appreciated that the spindle 140 may be mounted in a lower position, illustrated in FIG. 1, with the sleeves 144 respectively received over the lower mounting studs 145, or in an upper position (not shown) with the sleeves 144 respectively over the upper mounting studs 146.

Extending vertically downwardly from the front crossbar 115 substantially normal thereto is a short guide bar 147 braced against lateral movement by a brace member 148 extending between the guide bar 147 and the adjacent front outer post. In use, the spindle 140 may be placed concentrically within a roll 50 of the wire mesh web 55 or, alternatively, the rolls of wire mesh web may be provided with spindles 140 by the manufacturer. in either event, the spindle 140, with the roll 50 wire mesh web mounted thereon is mounted on the selected pair of mounting studs 145 and 146, which studs are so positioned on the frame 110 that the roll 50 will clear the underlying support surface 65. The shaft 141 is freely rotatable with respect to the sleeves 144 so as readily to accommodate unrolling of the wire mesh web 55 from the web 50, lateral movement of the roll 50 on the spindle 140 being limited'by the guide bar 147.

Also mounted on the frame 110 is a decontour mechanism, generally designated by the numeral 150 for decontouring or straightening the wire mesh web 55 as it is removed from the roll 50. More particularly, the decontour mechanism 150 includes a pair of end brackets 151 respectively mounted on the outer side surfaces of the upper side rails 117 adjacent to the front vided with a pivot pin 152 for pivotally mounting an end rail 153 thereon. The end rails 153 extend downwardly from the end brackets 151 substantially parallel to each other. Extending between the end rails 153 transversely of the frame are three decontour rollers 155 spaced apart longitudinally of the end rails 153, the rollers 155 being respectively rotatably mounted on shafts 154 having the opposite ends thereof respectively connected to the end rails 153. One of the end rails 153 is provided with a latch pin 159 extending laterally outwardly therefrom adjacent to the outer end thereof, te latch pin 159 being adapted for cooperation'with a hook 156 pivotally mounted by means of a leg 157 on the adjacent inner side rail 117 in a manner to be described more fully below. A pin 158 extends laterally outwardly from the inner side rail 117 forwardly of the leg 157 for supporting the hook 156 when not in use.

The decontour mechanism 150 is provided at the opposite end thereof from the hook 156 with a tension assembly, generally designated by the numeral 160, the tension of assembly 160 including a lowerspring plate 161 secured to the adjacent end rail 153 and an upper spring plate 162 secured to the adjacent inner side rail 117. Secured to the lower spring plate 161 and extending upwardly therefrom through a complementary opening in the upper spring plate 162 is an arcuate plunger 163 having a head 164 at the upper end thereof. Disposed between the spring plates 16] and 162 in surrounding relationship with the plunger 163 is a coil compression spring 165 for resiliently urging the decontour mechanism 150 downwardly toward rotation in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in F 1G. 1, the head 164 being engageable with the upper spring plate 162 for limiting the downward pivot movement of the decontour mechanism 150.

In use, the roll of wire mesh web 50 is so mounted on the apparatus 110 so that the web 55 may be unrolled from the top of the roll 50 toward the rear end of the frame 110, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the leading edge of the web 55 being passed beneath the decontour rollers 155 and the rear wheels 131, the weight of the frame securely holding the web 55 between the wheels 131 and the underlying support surface 65. When the web 55 thus extends along the path from the top of-the roll 50 to beneath the rear wheels 131, the decontour rollers 155 will be urged into engagement with the unrolled portion of the web 155 by the tension assembly 160. Preferably, the engagement of the decontour rollers 155 with the web 55 will serve to deflect the web 55 downwardly from a straight-line path between the top of the roll 50 and the bottom of the wheels 13], whereby the rollers.,l55 will tend to impart to the web 55a slight curvature opposite to that imparted by the roll 50 so as to decontour or straighten the web 55. Since the decontour rollers 155 are resiliently urged downwardly by the compression spring 165, the rollers 155 will continuously engage the web 55 as the diameter of the roll 50 decreases with the continued removal therefrom with the web 55. Thus, the decontour mechanism 150 will follow the web 55 to insure continued decontouring thereof until the roll 50 is exhausted.

It is a significant feature of the present invention that the rear wheel assemblies 130, which are laterally spaced apart a distance slightly less than the width of the wire mesh 55, serve to further decontour the web 55 as it is removed from the roll 50. More particularly, in normal use, an operator will walk behind the frame 110 and push upon the crossbar 118 to roll the apparatus 100 forwardly along the underlying support surface 65. As the apparatus rolls forwardly, the weight of the apparatus 100 exerted on the web 55 through the rear wheels 131 and the weight of the operator walking behind the apparatus 100 serve to'securely hold the unrolled portion of the web 55 against slippage, thereby causing the continued unrolling of the web 55 from the roll 50 as the frame 110 continues its forward movement. More importantly, the passage of the web 55 downwardly beneath the rear wheels 131 serves to impart a further reverse bend to the web 55 for further straightening and decontouring the web 55 and removing therefrom the curvature imparted by roll 50. if the wire mesh web 50 is tooheavy and stiff to push the frame 110 by hand, a mobile powered drive unit may be utilized to drive the frame 110 along the support surface.

It is another significant feature of the present invention that. the apparatus 100 may be disposed in either a working configuration, as illustrated in FIG. I, or a load configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 2. More particularly, when the apparatus 100 is'disposed in the working configuration thereof, the frame 110 is supported solely by the wheel assemblies 120 and 130,

' with the legs 116 extending forwardly of the frame 110 out of contact with the underlying support surface 65.

in this configuration, decontouring and placing of the wire mesh web 55, as described above, is greatly facilitated.

When the roll 50 is exhausted, and it is desired to mount a new roll of wire mesh web on the frame 110, the frame 110 may be tilted upwardly to the loaded configuration of H6. 2, wherein the frame 110 is supported solely by the legs 116 and the side rails 109, with the wheel assemblies 120 and 130 extending rearwardly out of engagement with the support surface 65. For this purpose, it will be understood that the sleeves 112 must be positioned on the side rails 109 so that'the forward ends of the rails 109 will be substantially coplanar with the forward ends of the legs 116 in order that the frame 110 may be stably supported in the loading configuration thereof without tipping. it will be observed that in this loading configuration, the mounting studs 145 and 146 are freely accessible and the loading of the spindle 140 with a full roll of wire mesh web thereon is greatly facilitated.

Referring now in particular to FIG. 3, there is illustrated a bending assembly, generally designated by the numeral 170, which may be provided on the frame'110. The bending assembly 170 includes a pair of rectangular tubular sleeves 171 respectively telescopically receivable over the legs 116, the outer side walls of the sleeves 171 preferably being provided with longitudinally spacedapart openings therein dimensioned and arranged for alignment with like openings in the outer sidewalls of the legs 116 and adapted to receive an associated latch pin 178 therethrough for securely holding the sleeves 171 in position on the legs 116. Respectively secured to the outer side walls of the sleeves 171 adjacent to the rear ends thereof are two generally rectangular outer plates 172, while two generally rectangular inner plates 173 are respectively secured to the inner side walls of the sleeves 171. The inner side plates 173 are each mounted for pivotal movement between 8 j the solid line and broken line positions shown in FIG. 3 on pivot pins 174 disposed at the rear end of the plates 173 above the crossbar 115, each of the pivot pins 174 extending to the adjacent outer plate 172 and being provided with a spacer 176 in surrounding relationship therewith. It will be observed that the inner plates 173are so mounted that the rear edges thereof are engageable with the front wall of the crossbar for limiting pivotal movement of the inner side plates 173 in the clockwise direction, asviewed in FIG. 5.

Extending between the inner side plates 173 and fixedly secured thereto is an angle iron having legs 175(a) and 175(1)) disposed substantially perpendicular to each other, the angle iron 175 being mounted on the inner side plates 173 with the apex thereof disposed downwardly when the inner side plates 173 are abutting against the crossbar 15, as illustrated in solid line in FIG. 5. Respectively secured to the inner surface of each of the outer plates 172 adjacent to the front end thereof and extending inwardly therefrom to theinner edge of the adjacent sleeve 171 is aspacer block 177. Preferably, each of the inner side plates '173 is provided with spaced-apart openings 179 therein adjacent to the forward end thereof positioned for alignment with corresponding openings in the sleeves 171 and in theblock 177 to receive a complementary latch pin 178 therein for securely holding the plates 173 in a selected position.

Extending between the outer side plates 172 directly above the crossbar 115 and parallel thereto is a pivot rod 182 provided with a freely rotatable sleeve 182A in surrounding relationship-therewith, the sleeve 182A having fixedly secured thereto the arcuate inner end 181 of a flat rectangularbending plate 180. The bending plate, extends rearwardly of the pivot rod 182 and has a width greater than the lateral spacing between the inner side rails l17, but less than the lateral spacing between the outer side rails'109. Fixedly secured to the bottom surface of the bending plate 180 adjacent to the rear end thereof is a handlebar 183 which extends laterally outwardly beyond the side edges of the plate 180. Fixedly secured to the sleeve 182(a) diametrically opposite the arcuate inner end 181 of thebending plate 180 are two laterally spacedapart wedge bars 184 for a purpose to be described below.

Spanning the inner side rails 117 and slidably supported thereon beneath the bending plate 180 substantially laterally coextensive therewith is a bottom plate 185, the front end of thebottom plate 185 overlying the top wall of the crossbar 115. Secured to the upper surface of the bottom plate 185 adjacent to the front end thereof are two laterally spaced-apart inner angle brackets 186, each provided with a vertically extending flange 187 disposed for engagement with the adjacent one of the wedge bars 184. Secured to the upper surface of the bottom plate 185 centrally of the rear end thereof and extending rearwardly therefrom is an outer angle bracket 188 provided at the distal end thereof with an upwardly extending flange 189. Secured to the rear wall of crossbar 115 are two laterally spaced-apart mounting brackets 191 to which are respectively secured the adjacent ends of two coil tension springs 190,

the other ends of the springs being respectively se-' cured to two laterally spaced-apart pins 192 secured to the bottom surface of the bottom plate 185 laterally outwardly of. the angle brackets 186. Preferably, the

bottom plate 185 is also provided on the bottom surface thereof with two guide pads 198 laterally spaced apart for respective engagement with the upper surfaces of the inner side rails 117 for guiding the reciprocating movement of the bottom plate 185 therealong in a manner to be described more fully below. The bottom plate 185 is also provided with a handlebar 196 adjacent to the rear end thereof and extending laterally the entire width thereof and outwardly beyond the lateral side edges of the bending plate 180, the handlebar 196 being centrally notched to accommodate the angle bracket 188 and serving not only to facilitate manual movement of the bottom plate 185 but also to provide stiffening therefor. Extending downwardly from each of the sleeves 171 is a bracket 193 for respectively supporting the oppositerends of a shaft 194 having rotatably mounted thereon a decontour roll 195.

Normally, the bending plate 180 is disposed in a webpassingposition, illustrated'in FIG. 5, extending rearwardly from the pivot bar 182 substantially parallel to the bottom plate 185. When thebending plate 180 is in its web-passing position, the wedge bars 184 engage the upstanding flanges 187. of the angle brackets 186, thereby urging the bottom plate 185 rearwardly to the releasing condition indicated'against the urging of the tension spring 190, the handlebar 183 of the bending plate 180 being wedged in front of theflange 189 on the angle bracket 188 for snugly holding the bending plae 180 in the web-passing position thereof. It will, thus, be appreciated that the bending plate and the bottom plate l85'cooperate so as to hold the bending plate 180 in its web-passing position and hold the bottom plate 185 in its releasing condition shown.

When the bending plate 180 and the bottom plate 185 are disposed as shown in FIG. 5, the wire mesh web 55 is unrolled from the roll 50 andis fed upwardly beneath the decontour roller 195 and then upwardly between the crossbar 115 andthe angle iron 175 and forwardly of the bending plate 180 and the bottom plate 185, the spacing between the angle iron 175 and the front ends of the bending plate 180 and the bottom plate 185 being sufflcient to accommodate free passage of the web 55 therebetween. When the web 55- is fed along this path, the decontour roller 195 serves to straighten or decontour the web 55, since it does not pass in contact with the primary decontour mechanism 150.

For bending the wire mesh web 55, the bending plate 180 is pivoted upwardly in a clockwise direction, as

' viewed in F IG. 5, by means of the handlebar 183 until the bending-plate 180 engages the wire mesh web 55. As the bending plate 180 pivots upwardly from the web-passing position thereof, the wedge bars 184 move out of engagement with the angle brackets 186, thereby releasing the bottom plate 185 and accommodating movement thereof forwardly under the urging of the tension springs 190 to a clamping condition wherein the front edge of the bottom plate 185 engages the wire mesh web 55 and cooperates with the angle brackets 175 for securely clamping the wire mesh web 55 therebetween. With the wire mesh web 55 thus held securely against movement, the bending plate 180 is further moved in the clockwise direction to a bending position, thereby bending the wire mesh web 55 to a predetermined angular configuration, the pivotal movement of the bending plate 180 being limited by engagement of the bent wire mesh web 55 with the legs of the angle iron 175. In this regard, it will be appreciated that by appropriate pivotal movement of the angle iron 175 about the pivot pins 174, the position of the angle iron 175 may be varied to thereby vary the'maximum angular deflection of the wire mesh web 55 by the bendingplate 180. After the bending operation is completed, the bending plate 180 is pivotally moved back to the web-passing position thereof, during which pivotal movement the wedge bars 184 engage the flanges 187 of the angle brackets 186 and move the bottom plate 185 rearwardly against the urging of the bias springs 190. Thus, as the bending plate 180 approaches its web-passing position, the bottom plate 185 will have been moved back to the releasing condition thereof for accommodating the handlebar 183 in front of the flange 189 and latching the bending plate 180 in its web-passing position.

It will be understood that a series of such bending operations may be performed on the wire mesh web 55 so as to deform the web into any desired angular configuration, such as triangular or rectangular, for use in concrete columns or the like. Appropriate web-cutting means (not shown) may also be provided to sever the wire mesh web 55 when it has been formed to the desired configuration. Such a web-cuttingdevice is disclosed in my aforementioned US. application, Ser. No.

25,970. When not in use, the bending apparatus 170 may be completely removed from the frame 110 by sliding the sleeves 171 forwardly off of the legs 116 so as not to-interfere with the other operations of the apparatus and to facilitate the movement thereof be tween the working and loading configurations thereof.

lf desired, the frame and the spindle carried thereby may be elevated by moving the front outer posts 114 upwardly with respect to the front inner posts 113 arid locking'them in an elevated position by means of appropriate latch pins, as described above. Thus, the spindle 140 and the roll of wire mesh web attached thereto may be elevated so as to provide sufficient clearance therebeneath to pass over objects which may struction site, the rolls preferably being stacked across the inner side rails 117, the lugs 138 serving to prevent the rolls from sliding or rolling on the side rails 117, Also, the side rails 109 may be moved rearwardly with respect to, the sleeves 112 to provide an additional lower shelf for carrying steel rods, tubing or the like extending transversely across the side rails 109.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7 of the drawings, there is shown a second embodiment of the wire mesh working apparatus of the present invention, generally designated by the numeral 200. The apparatus 200 includes a substantially rectangular frame, generally designated by the numeral 210, comprising a pair of spaced-apart longitudinally extending parallel tubular side rails 211,. interconnected adjacent to the opposite ends thereof bya pair of laterally extending tubular end rails 212. Respectively extending vertically downwardly from the side rails 211 at the opposite ends of the end rails 212 are four tubular posts 213, each laterally aligned pair of the posts 213 being interconnected adjacent to the lower ends thereof by a tubular crossbar 214. Preferably, the side rails 211, the end rails 212, the posts 213,

and the crossbars 214 are all fastened together by suitable means such'as welding.

The frame 210 is also provided at the opposite ends thereof with a pair of identically constructed extension frames, generally designated by the numeral 215, each of the extension frames 215 including a pair of elongated tubular legs 217 interconnected at one end thereof by a tubular bight member 216, the legs 217 being spaced-apart substantially parallel to each other and dimensioned and arranged to be respectively telescopically received in the adjacent ends of the tubular side rails 211 for sliding movement with respect thereto. Preferably, each of the legs 217 is provided with a series of longitudinally spaced-apart openings 218 in the outer sides thereof in position for alignment with a corresponding opening in the outer side of the tubular side rail 211 adjacent to each end thereof. In use, the extension frame 215 is slid inwardly and outwardly with respect to the side rails 21] to the desired position, at which point complementary pins or bolts are received through the aligned openings 218 in the legs 217 and the side rails 211 for securelyholding the extension frame 215 in position. Each of the legs 217 is also preferably provided with an upstanding retaining fixture or lug 219 adjacent to the outer end thereof, each fixture 219 preferably including a short tubular sleeve received over the associated leg 217 and secured thereto by suitable means and having an upstanding short tubular post securd thereto as by welding and adapted to receive upstanding extension posts (not shown) telescopicallytherein, for a purpose to be described more fully below.

The frame 210 is supported upon 'a pair of front wheel assemblies 220 connected thereto adjacent to one end thereof and a pair of rear wheel assemblies 230 connected thereto adjacent to the other end thereof. More particularly, the front wheel assemblies 220 are identically constructed and are respectively connected to the posts 213 at the adjacent end of the frame 210. Each of the wheel assemblies 220 includes a wheel 221 mounted for rotation with respect to an axle 222, the opposite ends of which are respectively journalled in complementary openings in the legs 223 of a fork member 225, adjacent to the lower ends thereof.

The legs 223 are interconnected adjacent to the upperends thereof by a bight 226 provided with a stud 227 extending upwardly therefrom and adapted to be received within the lower end of the adjacent hollow tubular post 213. Preferably, the stud 227 is provided with an opening therein in position for alignment with a corresponding opening in the wall of the tubular post 213 for receiving a complementary stud or bolt therethrough to lock the wheel assembly 220 in place on the frame 210.

In like manner, the rear wheel assemblies 230 are identically constructed and are respectively positioned for attachment to the two posts 213 at the other end of the frame 210. Each of the rear wheel assemblies 230 includes a wheel 231 mounted for'rotation on an axle 232, the opposite ends of which are-respectively journalled in complementary openings in the legs 233 of a fork member 235 adjacent to the bottom ends thereof.

The legs 233 are interconnected adjacent to the upper ends thereof by a pivot coupling 236 provided with a stud 237 adapted to be'received within the lower end of the adjacent 'one'of the hollow tubular posts 213. Preferably, the stud 237 and the. wall of the post 213 are provided with aligned openings therein for reception therethrough of a complementary pin or bolt to lock the wheel assembly 230 in position on the frame 210, the pivot coupling 286 accommodating turning of the wheels 231.

Respectively secured to the side rails 211 as by mounting pins o'r'bolts 242 are two identically constructed mounting clips 241. The clips 24] extends downwardly below the side rails 211 and forms arcuate lower ends adapted to respectively receive therein concentrically therewith the horizontal arms 243 of two generally L-shaped mounting brackets 245, each of the mounting brackets 245 also being provided at one end thereof with an arm 244 extending vertically downwardly from the arm 243. Extending transversely between the arms 244 of the mounting brackets 245 is a spindle 240, the opposite ends of which are respectively journalled in complementary openings in the arms 244 adjacent to the lower ends thereof.

Coupled to the mounting brackets 245 is a decontour assembly, generally designated by the numeral 250, the decontour assembly 250 including a pair of brackets 251 respectively connected to the arms 244 of the brackets 245 adjacent to the lower ends thereof and extending rearwardly therefrom substantially parallel to the side rails 211. The brackets25l are dimensioned to extend in use radially beyond the maximum outer periphery of a roll of wire mesh web to be used on the apparatus 200, the decontour assembly 250 further including a shaft 254 extending transversely between the brackets 251 adjacent to the outer ends thereof beyond the, maximum outer periphery of a wire mesh roll 50. The opposite ends of the shaft 254 are respectively journalled in complementary openings in the brackets 251, a decontour roller 255 being rotatably mounted on the shaft 254.

ln use, a roll 50 of wire mesh web is mounted on the spindle 240, which is then mounted in position between the arms 244 of the brackets 245, whereby the roll 50 is freely rotatable for unrolling a wire mesh web 55 therefrom. P referably, the wire mesh web 55 is unrolled from the top of the roll 50 toward the rear end of the frame 210 along a path 257 extending beneath the decontour roller 255 and then beneath the rear Wheels 231. lt will be appreciated that as the web 55 passes beneath the decontour roller 255 in contact therewith, there is imparted to the web 255 a reverse curvature opposite to that imparted by the roll 50 for straightening or decontouring the web 55. Similarly, as the web passes beneath the wheels 231, there is imparted to the'web an additional reverse curvature for further straightening or decontouring the web 55. In operation, an operator will walk along behind the apparatus 200 and push it forwardly alongthe underlying support surface by pushing on the extension frame 215, the weight of the operator walking on the unrolled portion of the web 55 and the weight of the apparatus 200 as exerted on the web 55 through the rear wheel assemblies 230 serving securely to hold the web 55 against slippage. Thus, as the frame 210 moves forwardly, the

- web 55 is unrolled from the roll 50 for placement on the underlying support surface.

If desired, the web 55 may alternatively be unrolled along a path 256 which passes over the decontouring roller 255 and beneath the rear wheels 231. ln this arrangement, the rear wheels 231 serve as the sole decontouring means for the wire mesh web 55. Furthermore, if even less decontouring is needed or desired, the roll 50 may be mounted on thespindle 240 so as to be unrolled from the bottom of the roll 50 along a path 258 so that a still lesser amount of reverse curvature will be imparted to the web 55 by the rear wheels 231.

The frame 210 is also provided with a tray 260 for carrying various construction materials on the apparatus 200 from place to place at a construction site. The tray 260 is generally rectangular in shape and includes four interconnected side walls 261 closed at the bottom ends thereof by a flat rectangular bottom wall 262. Extending laterally outwardly from the side walls 261 around the entire periphery of the tray 260 is a short lip or flange 263. The tray 260 is dimensioned to fit between the side rails 211 and the end rails 212 or between the crossbars 214 of the frame 210, tray 260 being provided at each end thereof with three mounting tabs 264 adapted to rest in use on top of the adjacent one of the end rails 212 or the crossbars 214 for supporting the tray 260 in position on the frame 210.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, it will be noted that the tray 260 may be mounted in either an upper position, illustrated in solid line in FIG. 7, wherein the tray 260 is supported on the end rails 212, ora lower position, illustrated in broken line in FIG. 7, wherein the tray 260 is supported on the crossbars 214. it will be appreciated that, when a roll 50 of wire mesh web is mounted on the frame 210, the tray 260 must be disposed in the upper position thereof so as not to interfere with the roll 50. Furthermore, it will be. understood that construction materials or including additional rolls of roll 50 of wire mesh web may be placed transversely across the side rails 211 and the legs 217 of the extension frame 215 for being transported from place to place at a construction site. For this purpose, the retaining fixtures 219 will serve to prevent such construction materials from rolling off the ends of the frame 210, optional extension posts being available if it is desired to stack building materials on the frame 210.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9 of the drawings, there is illustrated. a power-operated embodiment of the wire mesh working apparatus of the present invention, generally designated by the numeral 300. The apparatus 300 includes a substantially box-like frame, generally designated by the numeral 310, which includes a pair of parallel spaced-apart top side rails 311 interconnected at the opposite ends thereof by a pair of top end rails 312. Respectively extending vertically downwardly from the end rails 312 at the opposite ends thereof are four corner posts 313, each end pair of corner posts 313 beinginterconnectcd at the bottom ends thereof by a corresponding bottom end rail 314. A pair of crossbars 315 respectively extend longitudinally of frame 310 on the opposite sides thereof, each of the crossbars 315 interconnecting the adjacent side pair of corner posts 313 intermediate the upper and lower ends thereof.

The frame 310 is supported upon a pair of front wheel assemblies 320 and a rear wheel assembly 330, the front wheel assemblies 320 being identically cons'tructed and respectively disposed on opposite sides of the frame 310 adjacent to one end thereof. More particularly, each of the front wheel assemblies 320 includes a relatively large diameter wheel 321 rotatably mounted on an axle 322, the opposite ends of which are respectively journalled' in complementary openings in the legs 323 of a fork member 325 adjacent to the lower ends thereof. The legs 323 are interconnected adjacent to the upper ends thereof by a bight 326 having fixedly secured thereto a hydraulic cylinder 327 extending vertically upwardly therefrom. Telescopically received within the cylinder 327 is a piston having a piston rod 328 extending vertically upwardly from the cylinder 327, the upper end of the piston rod 328 being fixedly secured to one flange of angle-mounting bracket.329, the other flange of which is. secured by suitable means to the frame 310.

In like manner, the rear wheel assembly 330 includes apair of relatively small diameter wheels 331 coaxially mounted for rotation on an axle 332. A fork member 335 includes a bight 336 and three equidistantly spaced-apart legs 333, the center one of the legs 333 being disposed between the wheels 331 and the outer ones of the legs 333 being respectively disposed on the outer sides of the wheels 331, the axle 332 being jour- -nalled in complementary openings in legs'333 adjacent to the lower ends'thereof. Pivotally connected to the bight 336 and extending vertically upwardly therefrom is a piston rod 337 of a piston (not shown) which is received within a hydraulic cylinder 338. The upper end of the cylinder 338 is fixedly secured to one flange of an angle-mounting bracket 339, the other flange of which is fixedly secured to the frame 310 by any suitable means. lt will be appreciated that the cylinders 327 and 338 and pistons 328 and 337 accommodate vertical movement of the frame310 with respect to the wheels 321 and 331 for adjusting the height of the apparatus 300. A handle or tongue 365 may be pivotally connected to the fork member 335 and extend forwardly therefrom for manually turning the wheel assembly 330 and steering the machine 300, the handle 365 being shown in FIG. 9 disposed in a storage position.

Disposed within the frame 310 respectively adjacent to the opposite ends thereof are two vertically extending bearing brackets 345 secured to the frame 310 by suitable means. Mounted on the bearing brackets 345 and extending therebetween is a spindle, generally designated by the numeral 340, for supporting thereon a roll 50 of wire mesh web. More particularly, the spindle 340 includes a shaft 341 extending transversely between the bearing brackets 345 and provided at the opposite ends thereof with a pair of sleeves (not shown), respectively adapted to be received over complementary mounting stubs (not shown) which are in turn respectively secured to the bearing brackets 345 adjacent to the upper ends thereof. This mounting arrangement was more particularly described above with respect to the embodiment of FIG. 1.

Equidistantly spaced circumferentially around the shaft 341 and extending radially outwardlytherefrom are a plurality of vanes 342, adjacent ones of the vanes 342 being interconnected by longitudinally spacedapart brace members 343. Extending between the hearing brackets 345 and respectively mounted thereon on either side thereof are a pair of cradle rollers 346. In use, the roll 50 of wire mesh web is mounted on the spindle 340 in the manner described above with respect to FIG. 1, after which the spindle is then mounted on the bearing brackets 345 so that the cradle rollers 346 engage the roll 50 along the outer circumference 15. 3 thereof for providing additional support therefor and facilitating rotation thereof.

Decontour mechanism, generally designated by the numeral 350, is carried by the frame 310 for straightening the wire mesh web 55 as it is removed from the roll 50. More particularly, the decontour mechanism 350 includes a decontour roller 351 mounted for rotation ona shaft 352 which extends longitudinally of and carried by the frame 310 adjacent to one side thereof substantially parallel to the spindle 340. Secured to the shaft 352 at one end thereof is a sheave 353 disposed for engagement with a drive belt or chain 354 which is in turn coupled to a sheave 356 on the output shaft of an electric drive motor 355, the motor 355 being supported on a platform 357 carried by the frame 310 outwardly of the adjacent end of the spindle 340. Also rotatably mounted on the frame 310 and extending longitudinally thereof substantially parallel to the shaft 352 laterally outwardly thereof is a plurality of auxiliary rolls 359.

A bending apparatus, generally designated by the numeral 360, is mounted on the frame 310 adjacent to the side thereof opposite from the decontour mechanism 350. The bending apparatus 360 includes a pair of generally rectangular end plates 361 respectively secured to the end rails 312 and extending downwardly therefrom substantially parallel to each other. Extending between the end rails 312 and fixedly secured thereto is an angle bar 362, the angle bar 362 being oriented with one flange extending horizontally from the apex toward the adjacent side of the machine and with the other flange extending vertically upwardly, the apex thereof extending downwardly.

Extending longitudinally between the end plates 361 and secured thereto is a shaft 372 provided with a sleeve rotatably mounted thereon, the sleeve having secured thereto the 'arcuate end 37] of a generally rectangular flat bending plate 370 which extends laterally from the shaft 371 toward the adjacent side rail 311. The bending plate 370 is centered longitudinally of the frame 310-and has a length slightly greater than the width of an associated roll 50 of wire mesh web, the under side of the base plate 370 being connected by means of a pair of couplers 373 respectively to the upper ends of two piston rods 374 having the lower ends thereof connected to pistons which are respectively received in the upper ends of two hydraulic cylinders 375. The cylinders 375 are respectively disposed adjacent to the opposite ends of the bending plate 370 and are pivotally connected at the lower ends thereof to the adjacent one of the crossbars 315 by means of coupling brackets 377 and pivot pin 376. The bending plate 370 is movable between a web-passing position, shown in FIG. ,8, disposed substantially horizontally below the angle iron 362 and substantially coplanar with the upper surfaces of the feed wheels 380, and a .bending position (not shown) extending substantially vertically upwardly closely adjacent to the adjacent edge of the horizontal flange of the angle iron 362.

Extending longitudinally of the frame 310 and rotatably mounted thereon is a shaft 381 disposed immediately below the angle bar 362 and extending substantially parallel to-the shaft 352; Fixedly secured to the shaft 381 are four longitudinally spaced-apart feed wheels 380,, each provided with a plurality of studs 385 equidistantly spaced circumferentially therearound and extending radially outwardly therefrom. Fixedly secured to the shaft 381 at one end thereof is a sheave 383 which is coupled to a drive belt or chain 384 which is in turn coupled to a complementary sheave on the shaft 352. Thus, it will be appreciated that the rotational movement of the shaft of the motor 355 is transmitted by the belt 354to the shaft 352 and is in turn transmitted by the belt 384 to the shaft 381.

The frame 310 is also provided with a web cutting mechanism, generally designated by the numeral 390, which mechanism includes a stationary shear blade extending longitudinally of the frame 310 between the end rails 312 and fixedly securedthereto substantially centrally of the frame 310. An elongated movable shear blade 392 is. also provided parallel to the stationary blade 391, the movable blade 392 being mounted for pivotal movement vertically between a pair. of guide shoes 393 extending longitudinally between the end rails 312. More particularly, the movable blade 392 is pivotally mounted at the front end of the frame 310, the other end of the movable blade 392 being fixedly secured to the upper end of a piston rod 394, the lower end of which is coupled to a piston received within the upper end of a hydraulic cylinder 389 mounted on the frame 310 by means of a generally U-shapedmounting bracket 386 suspended from the guide shoes 393.

An equipment cabinet 395 is mounted on the frame 310 at the lower front end thereof, the compartment 395' containing the-electrical and hydraulic equipment for controlling the apparatus 300, including hydraulic pumps and hydraulic fluid reservoir and motor control switches. More particularly, the control panel 397 includes a rear wheel cylinder controlvalve connected by fluid lines 388 to the upper and lower ends of the hydraulic cylinders 327 of the front wheel assemblies 320. In like manner, the control panel 397 includes a rear wheel control valve connected by fluid lines 39910 the upper and lower ends of the cylinder 338 of the rear wheel assembly 330. Another control valve is connected by fluid lines 398 to the upper and lower ends of the bender control cylinder 375, while a final control valve is connected by fluid lines 387 to the upper and lower ends of the cylinder 389 of the cutter assembly 390.

The operation of the wire mesh working appparatus 300 will now be described in detail. Preferably, the roll of wire mesh web is so mounted on the spindle 340 that web may be unrolled from the right-hand side thereof, as viewed in FIG. 8, upwardly towards the decontour roller 351. The web 55 is wrapped around the roller 351 and then fed transversely of the frame 310 above the feed wheel 380 and thence beneath the angle bar 362 and over the bending plate 370. When the drive motor 355 is actuated, it rotates the decontourroll 35! and the feed wheel 380 in a clockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 8, the studs 385 of the feed wheel 380 engaging the transverse strands 57 of the wire mesh web 55 for feeding the web 55 along the path indicated and outwardly through the bending mechanism 360. The web 55 may then be fed downwardly to the support surface on which it is to be laid, the web being laid transversely of the support surface as the machine 300 moves longitudinally therealong. When the desired length of web has been fed from the machine 300 it is severed by the cutter 390 to produce a discrete sheet of the desired length. More particularly, the proper valve is actuated on the control panel for mov ing the piston rod 394 upwardly and pivoting the cutting blade 392 upwardly to its cutting position for severing the web 55. After cutting, the cutter blade 392 is retracted by operation of the control valve.

Normally, the piston rods 374 are withdrawn into the cylinders 375 for holding the bendingplate 370 down 'in its web-passing position, as illustrated in FIG. 8.

When it is desired to bend the wire mesh web 55, the drive motor 355 is stopped and the appropriate control valve on the control panel 397 is actuated to extend the piston-rods 374 upwardly, thereby pivoting the bending plate 370 in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 8 to its bending position.

As the bending plate 370 continues its counterclockwise movement to its bending'position, it engages the wire mesh web 55 and bends it to a predetermined angular configuration, the counterclockwise movement of the bending plate 370 being limited by engagement of the bent web 55 with the horizontal flange of the angle iron 362, at which point the web 55 will have been bent to substantially a 90-degree angle. After the bending operation is completed, the control valve is actuated to retract the piston rods 374, thereby returning the bending plate 370 to its web-passing position. It will be understood that a series of these bending operations may be performed to deform the web 55 into any desired configuration, such as rectangular for use in reinforcing concrete columns and the like.

When the desired length of web 55 has been fed from the apparatus 300, the drive motor 355 is stopped and the appropriate valve on the control panel 397 is operated for actuating the cutter cylinder 389 to move the movable cutter blade 392 upwardly to a shearing position, wherein the movable blade 392 cooperates with the fixed blade 39] for severing the wire mesh web 55. The control valve may then be actuated for retracting the movable blade 392 to its retracted position, illustrated in FIG.'8. I

When it is desired to elevate. the frame 310, the control valves on the control panel 387 are actuated to extend the front wheel piston rods 328 upwardly and to project the rear wheel cylinder 338 upwardly to the desired elevation. In this manner, sufficient clearance may be provided beneath the frame 310 to permit it to pass freelyover objects on underlying supportsurface as the frame 310 is moved from point to point along that surface at a construction site. In like manner, the frame 310 may be lowered to it original position by appropriate actuation of the control valve. It will also be noted that, since separate control valves are provided for the front wheel assemblies and the rear wheel assembly, the front andrear ends of the frame 310 may be elevated independently of each other.

If desired, the roll 50 of wire mesh web may be so mounted on the spindle 340 as to permit unrolling thereof upwardly from the left-hand side thereof, as viewed in FIG. 8, in which case the web 55 is fed up wardly between the auxiliary guide rollers 359 and thence around the decontour roller 351 and to the feed wheels 3.80 in the manner described above. It will be appreciated that, when this alternative feed path is used, a lesser amount of decontouring or straightening force is applied to the wire mesh web 55.

It is a-significant advantage of the present invention that it affords considerable savings in time and effort in the working and laying of reinforcing wire mesh. More specifically, while by wholly manual methods it would require approximately IO /aman hours to roll out, cut,

straighten, bend, transport to the work site and apply a ISO-foot roll of wire mesh web, this same work could be accomplished in about 8% man hours with the use of the wire mesh working apparatusdisclosed in my aforementioned copending US. application Ser. No. 25,970. By the use of the improvements embodied in the present invention, even more significant savings are effected. Thus, the working and applying of a standard ISO-foot roll of wire mesh by the use of the embodiments of the invention disclosed in FIGS. 1 and 6 of the present invention may be accomplished with the expenditure of only 5 man hours of work. With the addition to the embodiment of FIG. 1 of the bending apparatus of FIG. 3, the work time may be still further reduced to 3% man hours. Finally, by the use of the poweroperated wire mesh working apparatus of FIGS. 8 and 9, only 2% man hours are required to complete this same job. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that dramatic savings in time and money may be effected by the use of the present invention.

From the. foregoing, it may be seen that there has been provided a novel reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus including support wheels which not only sup.

port the apparatus but also serve to decontour the wire mesh web as it is removed from a roll thereof. More particularly, two embodiments of a wire mesh working apparatus are disclosed embodying this unique feature.

There has also been provided a wire mesh working apparatus which accommodates mounting of a roll of wire mesh web thereon in any of several different mounting positions, the apparatus also including decontour means which is movable for following the wire meshweb as the diameter of the wire mesh roll decreases, regardless of the mounting position of the wire mesh roll. I

In addition, therehas been provided a novel bending mechanism which is mounted on the frame for easy removal when not in use. 7

Furthermore, there has been provided a wire mesh working apparatus which may be disposed in a working configuration for working onand placing the wire mesh web, and a loading configuration for loading the wire mesh web onto the apparatus.

Finally, there has been provided a power-driven wire mesh working apparatus which includes poweractuated web feed means, decontour mechanism, bending mechanism and web-cutting means, as well as power-driven height-adjusting means forthe frame.

While there have been described what are at present considered to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be understood that various modifications may be made therein, and it is intended to cover inthe appended claims all such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

k l. A reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus comprising a frame, a plurality of support wheels rotatably coupled to said frame for rolling engagement with an associated underlying support surface to support said frame thereon, and a spindle mounted on said frame for rotatably supporting an associated roll of wire mesh web thereon to accommodate removal of the wire mesh web from the roll, said spindle andsaid support wheels being arranged in use to accommodate passage of said wire mesh web from the roll between the underlying support surface and selected ones of said support wheels in engagement therewith for decontouring thewire mesh web as it is removed from the roll.

2. The reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus set roll and beneath the rear support wheels inengagement therewith for decontouring the wire mesh web as it is removed-from the roll while saidframe moves forwardly along theunderlying support surface.

3. The reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus set forth in claim 1, wherein said apparatus includes-two pairs of adjustable front wheels mounted'on said'frame adjacent to oneend thereof and a pair of rear support wheels mounted 'on said frame adjacent to the other end thereof, said pairs of front wheels being movable longitudinally of said frame for varying the longitudinal spacing therebetween. a

4. The reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus set forth in claim 1', wherein said apparatus includes a pair of front support wheels mounted on said frame adjacent to one end thereof and a pair of rear support wheels'mounted on said frame adjacent to the other end thereof, said rear support wheels being spaced apart transversely of said frame a predetermined distance less than the width of the wire mesh web.

5. A reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus'comprising a frame, a plurality of support wheels rotatably coupled to said frame for rolling engagement with an associated underlying support surface to support said frame thereon,a spindle'mounted'on said frame for rotatably supporting an associated roll of wire mesh web thereon to accommodate removal of the wire'mesh web from the roll, and decontour means pivotally mounted on said frame for engagement with an unrolled portion of the wire mesh web to effect decontouring thereof, said decontour means being pivotally'movable for following't he wire meshweb as the diameter of the roll decreases to insure continuous engagement of said decontour means with the wire mesh web as it is'removed from the roll, said'spindle and said support wheels being arranged in use to accommodate passage of said wire mesh web from the roll between the underlying support surface .and. selected ones of said support wheels in engagement therewith for providing additional decontouring of the wire mesh web as it is re moved from the roll.

6. The reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus set I forth in claim 5, wherein said decontour means includes a pair of substantially parallel mounting brackets pivotally mounted on said frameand spaced apart transversely thereof, said mounting brackets being arranged in use for pivotal movement about the longitudinal axis of said spindle and extending outwardly therefrom substantially normal thereto, and a decontouring roller rotatably mounted between said mounting brackets and disposed in use substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of said spindle outwardly beyond the maximum. outer periphery of an associated wire mesh roll mounted on said spindle, whereby said roller is adapted for engagement with the wire mesh to effect decontouring thereof as the wire mesh web is removed from'the roll.

7. The reinforcing wire mesh working'apparatus set forth in claim 5, wherein said frame is longitudinally extensible for varying the length thereof. v I

8. A reinforcing wire 'mesh working apparatus comprising a frame, a plurality of support wheels rotatably coupled-to said frame for rolling engagement with an associated underlying support surfaceto support said frame thereon, a spindle mounted on said frame for rotatably supporting an associated roll of wire mesh web thereon to accommodate removal of the wire mesh web from the roll, decontour means pivotally mounted on saidframe for engagement with an unrolled portion of thewire mesh web to effect decontouring thereof, bias means resiliently urging said decontour means into en- "gagement'with the unrolled portion of the .wire mesh web, said decontour means being pivotally movable under the urging of said bias means for following the wire mesh web as the diameter of the roll decreases to insure continuous engagement of said decontour means :with the wire mesh web ash is removed'from the roll,

and latch mechanism carried by saidframe' and engageable with said'decontour means-for holding said decontour means out of engagement with the wire mesh web against the urging of said bias means. when said decontour means is not in use, said spindle and said support wheels being arranged in .-use to accommodate passage of said wire mesh web from the roll between the underlying support surface and selected ones of said support wheels inengagement therewith forproviding additional decontouring of the wire mesh web as it is removed from the roll. v i v 9. The reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus set, forth in claim 8, wherein said bias means comprises'a coil spring coupled to said decontour means and to said frame. v

10. The reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus set forth in claim 8, wherein said decontour means includes a pair of substantially parallel mounting brackets pivotally mounted on said framejand spaced apart.

transversely thereof, said bias means includinga compression spring coupled to said frame and to one of said mounting brackets. i i

11. The reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus set forth in claim8, wherein said decontour meansincludes apair of substantially parallel mounting brack ets pivotally mounted on said frame and spaced apart transversely-thereof, a plurality of spaced-apart parallel elongated rollers aligned longitudinally of said mounting brackets and extending therebetween, the opposite ends of each of said rollers being respectively coupled to said mounting brackets for rotation of said rollers about the longitudinal axes thereof, said spindle being adapted for removal of the wire mesh web therefrom along a predetermined path extending between said mounting brackets; and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of saidrollers in engagement therewith, whereby said rollers effect decontouring of the wire 12. A reinforcing wire mesh workingapparatus comprising a frame, a plurality of support wheels rotatably carried by said frame and extending therefrom in a first predetermined direction, a plurality of support legs carried by said frame and extending therefrom in a second predetermined direction, and a spindle removably mounted on said frame for rotatably supporting an associated roll of wire mesh web thereon to-accommodate removal of the wire mesh web from the roll, said frame having a working configuration with said support wheels disposed in rolling engagement with an associated underlyingsupport surface for supporting said frame thereon and with said legs out of engagement with the support surface, said frame having a loading configuration with said legs disposed in engagement with the underlying support surface for supporting said frame thereon and with said support wheels disposed out of engagement with the support surface, said frame in the working configuration thereof being operable for rolling along the support surface and placing the wire mesh web thereon as it is removed from the roll, said frame in the loading configuration thereof facilitating removal of said spindle therefrom and the loading of a roll of wire mesh web onto said spindle and the remounting of said loaded spindle on said frame.

13. The reinforcing'wire mesh working apparatus set forth in claim 12, wherein said support wheels and said support legs extend from said frame in directions substantially perpendicular to each other and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said spindle.

14. The reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus set forth in claim 12, wherein said apparatus includes a pair of front support wheels mounted on said frame adjacent to one end thereof and spaced apart transversely thereof and extending therefrom in a first predetermined direction, and a pair of rearwheels mounting on said frame adjacent to the other end thereof and spaced apart transversely thereof and extending therefrom in said first predetermined direction, said support legs being mounted on said frame adjacent to said one end thereof and extending therefrom in a second direction substantially perpendicular to said first direction, said spindle being mounted on said frame adjacent to said one end thereof with the longitudinal axis of said spindle extending transversely of said frame substantially perpendicualr to said first and second directions.

15. A reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus comprising a frame, a spindle mounted on said frame for rotatably supporting an associated roll of wire mesh web thereon to .accommodate removal of the wire mesh web from the roll, mounting means accommodating mounting of said spindle in any of a plurality of different positions on said frame, and decontour means connected to said frame for engagement with an unrolled portion of the wire mesh web to effect decontouring thereof as the web is removed from the roll.

16. The reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus set forth in claim 15, wherein said mounting means includes a plurality of pairs of mounting studs carried by said frame, the studs of each pair of studs being spaced apart transversely of said frame and adaptable for receiving thereon one end of said spindle.

17. The reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus set forth in claim 15, wherein said mounting means includes a pair of mounting members spaced apart transversely of said frame and coupled thereto for movether including a tray adapted to be mounted on said frame in either of two different mounting locations for carrying associated equipment, one of said mounting locations being in mounting location of the wire mesh roll for use when the wire mesh roll is not mounted on said spindle, the other of said mounting locations being clear of the mounting location of the wire mesh roll for use when the wire mesh roll is mounted on said spindle.

19. A reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus comprising a frame, a spindle mounted on said frame for rotatably supporting an associated roll of wire mesh web thereon to accommodate removal of the wire mesh web from the roll, and bending mechanism removably mounted on said frame for engagement with an unrolled portion 'of the wire mesh web, said bending mechanism being selectively operable for deforming the wire mesh web to a predetermined angular configuration, whereby said bending mechanism may be readily removed from said frame without impairing the operation thereof when said bending mechanism is not in use.

20. A reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus comprising a frame, a spindle mounted on said frame for ro-.

tatably supporting an associated roll of wire mesh web thereon to accommodate removal of the wire mesh web from the roll along a predetermined path, clamping mechanism mounted on said frame and being movable between a clamping condition for holding the wire mesh web against movement along said path and a releasing condition accommodating free movement of said wire mesh web along said path, bias'means resiliently urging said clamping mechanism into the clamping condition thereof, and a bending plate mounted on said frame for movement between a web passing position and a bending position, said bending plate in the web passing position thereof holding said clamping mechanism in the releasing condition thereof against the urging of said bias means, said bending plate in the bending positionthereof accommodating movement of said clamping mechanism to the clamping condition thereof and cooperating therewith to bend the wire mesh web to a predetermined angular configuration.

21-. The reinforcing wire mesh working apparatusset forth in claim 20, wherein said bias means includes a coil spring coupled to said frame and to said clamping mechanism.

22. The reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus set forth in claim 20, wherein said clamping mechanism includes a stationary member and a movable member,

said movable member being movable toward and away from said stationary member for effecting movement of mentlongitudinally thereof, said mounting members being adapted for receiving said spindle therebetween with the opposite ends of said spindle respectively. rotatably mounted on said mounting members.

18. The reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus set forth in claim 15, wherein said mounting means includes a pair of mounting members spaced apart transversely of said frame and coupled thereto for movement longitudinally thereof, said mounting members being adapted for receiving said spindle therebetween said clamping mechanism between the clamping condition and the releasing condition thereof.

23. The reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus set forth in claim 20, and further including latchmeans carried by said clamping mechanism for releasably holding said bending plate in the web passing position thereof when said clamping mechanism is disposed in the releasing condition thereof.

' 24. The reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus set forth in claim 20, wherein said bending plate is manually movable between the web passing position and the bending position thereof.

25. The reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus set forth in claim 20, and further including drive means 23 carried by said frame and coupled to said bending plate for effecting movement of said bending plate between the web passing position and the bending position thereof.

26. A reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus comprising a frame, a plurality of support wheels rotatably coupled to said frame for rolling engagement withan associated underlying support surface to support said frame thereon, a spindle mounted on said frame for rotatably supporting an associated roll of wire mesh web thereto'to accommodate removal of the wire mesh web from the roll, said spindle and said supportwheels being arranged in use to accommodate passage of said wire mesh web between the underlying support surface and selected ones of said support wheels in engagement therewith for decontouring the wire mesh web as it is removed from the roll, and bending mechanism removably mounted on saidframe for engagement with an unrolled portion of the wire mesh web, said bending mechanism being selectively operable for deforming the wire mesh web to a predetermined angular configuration, whereby said bending mechanism may be readily removed from said frame without impairing the operation thereof when said bending mechanism is not in use.

27. A reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus comprising a frame, a plurality of support wheels rotatably carried by said frame and extending therefrom in a first predetermined direction, a plurality of support legs carried by said frame and extending therefrom in a second predetermined direction, a'spindle removably mounted on said frame for rotatably supporting an associated roll of wire mesh web thereon to accommodate removal of the wire mesh web from the roll, said frame having a working configuration with said support wheels disposed in rolling engagement with an associated underlying support surface for supporting said frame thereon and with said legs out of engagement with the support surface, said frame having a loading configuration with said legs disposed in engagement with the underlying support surface for supporting said frame thereon and with said support wheels disposed out of engagement with the support surface, said frame in the working configuration thereof being operable for rolling along the support surface and placing the wire mesh web thereon as it is removed from the roll, said frame in the loading configuration thereof facilitating removal of said spindle therefrom and the loading of a roll of wire mesh web onto said spindle and the remounting of said loaded spindle on said frame, and bending mechanism removably mounted on said frame for engagement with an unrolled portion of the wire mesh web, said bending mechanism being selectively operable for deforming the wire mesh web to a predetermined angular configuration, whereby said bending mechanism may be readily removed from said frame without impairing the operation thereof when said bending mechanism is not in use.

28. A reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus comprising a frame adapted to be supported on an associated underlying support surface, a spindle mounted on said frame for rotatably supporting anassociated roll of wire mesh web thereon to accommodate removal of the wire mesh web from the roll, bending mechanism mounted onsaid frame for engagement with the unrolled portion of the wire meshweb and being selectively operable for deforming the wire mesh web to a predetermined angular configuration, feed apparatus mounted on said frame for driving engagement with the wire mesh web and operable to effect movement thereof along .a predetermined path from the roll to said bending mechanism, decontour means connected to said frame for engagement with the wire mesh web along said predetermined path to effect decontouring the wire mesh web as it is removed from the roll, drive means mountedon said frame and coupled to said feed apparatus and to said bending mechanism for effecting operation thereof, and control means coupled to said drive means and being selectively operable for controlling the actuation thereof, and further including a plurality of support wheels rotatably coupled to said frame for rolling engagement with the associated underlying support surface to support said frame thereon.

29. A reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus comprising a frame adapted to be supported on an associated underlying support surface, a spindle mounted on said frame for rotatably supporting an associated roll of wire mesh web thereon to accommodate removal of the wire mesh web from the roll, decontour means connected to said frame for engagement with an unrolled portion of the wire mesh web to effect decontouring thereof as it is removed from the roll, said frame having a low-profile configuration wherein said spindle is disposed a first predetermined distance above the underlying support surface, said frame having a high-profile configuration wherein said spindle is disposed a second predetermined distance greater than said first predetermined distance above the underlying support surface, said frame including height-adjusting means accommodating shifting of said frame between the low-profile configuration and the high-profile configuration thereof.

30. The reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus set forth in claim 29, wherein said height-adjusting means includes a pair of vertically extending members disposed in telescoping relationship and vertically movable with respect to each other.

31. The reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus set forth in claim 29, wherein said height-adjusting means is manually operable for shifting said frame between the low-profile configuration and the high-profile configuration thereof.

32. The reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus set forth in claim 29, wherein said height-adjusting means includes drive means for effecting movementof said height-adjusting between the low-profile configuration and the high-profile configuration thereof.

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1. A reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus comprising a frame, a plurality of support wheels rotatably coupled to said frame for rolling engagement with an associated underlying support surface to support said frame thereon, and a spindle mounted on said frame for rotatably supporting an associated roll of wire mesh web thereon to accommodate removal of the wire mesh web from the roll, said spindle and said support wheels being arranged in use to accommodate passage of said wire mesh web from the roll between the underlying support surface and selected ones of said support wheels in engagement therewith for decontouRing the wire mesh web as it is removed from the roll.
 2. The reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus set forth in claim 1, wherein said apparatus includes a pair of front support wheels mounted on said frame adjacent to one end thereof and a pair of rear support wheels mounted on said frame adjacent to the other end thereof, said spindle being arranged in use to accommodate passage of said wire mesh web from the roll and beneath the rear support wheels in engagement therewith for decontouring the wire mesh web as it is removed from the roll while said frame moves forwardly along the underlying support surface.
 3. The reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus set forth in claim 1, wherein said apparatus includes two pairs of adjustable front wheels mounted on said frame adjacent to one end thereof and a pair of rear support wheels mounted on said frame adjacent to the other end thereof, said pairs of front wheels being movable longitudinally of said frame for varying the longitudinal spacing therebetween.
 4. The reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus set forth in claim 1, wherein said apparatus includes a pair of front support wheels mounted on said frame adjacent to one end thereof and a pair of rear support wheels mounted on said frame adjacent to the other end thereof, said rear support wheels being spaced apart transversely of said frame a predetermined distance less than the width of the wire mesh web.
 5. A reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus comprising a frame, a plurality of support wheels rotatably coupled to said frame for rolling engagement with an associated underlying support surface to support said frame thereon, a spindle mounted on said frame for rotatably supporting an associated roll of wire mesh web thereon to accommodate removal of the wire mesh web from the roll, and decontour means pivotally mounted on said frame for engagement with an unrolled portion of the wire mesh web to effect decontouring thereof, said decontour means being pivotally movable for following the wire mesh web as the diameter of the roll decreases to insure continuous engagement of said decontour means with the wire mesh web as it is removed from the roll, said spindle and said support wheels being arranged in use to accommodate passage of said wire mesh web from the roll between the underlying support surface and selected ones of said support wheels in engagement therewith for providing additional decontouring of the wire mesh web as it is removed from the roll.
 6. The reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus set forth in claim 5, wherein said decontour means includes a pair of substantially parallel mounting brackets pivotally mounted on said frame and spaced apart transversely thereof, said mounting brackets being arranged in use for pivotal movement about the longitudinal axis of said spindle and extending outwardly therefrom substantially normal thereto, and a decontouring roller rotatably mounted between said mounting brackets and disposed in use substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of said spindle outwardly beyond the maximum outer periphery of an associated wire mesh roll mounted on said spindle, whereby said roller is adapted for engagement with the wire mesh to effect decontouring thereof as the wire mesh web is removed from the roll.
 7. The reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus set forth in claim 5, wherein said frame is longitudinally extensible for varying the length thereof.
 8. A reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus comprising a frame, a plurality of support wheels rotatably coupled to said frame for rolling engagement with an associated underlying support surface to support said frame thereon, a spindle mounted on said frame for rotatably supporting an associated roll of wire mesh web thereon to accommodate removal of the wire mesh web from the roll, decontour means pivotally mounted on said frame for engagement with an unrolled portion of the wire mesh web to effect decontouring thereof, bias means resiliently urging said decontour means into engagement with the unrolled portion of the wire mesh web, said decontour means being pivotally movable under the urging of said bias means for following the wire mesh web as the diameter of the roll decreases to insure continuous engagement of said decontour means with the wire mesh web as it is removed from the roll, and latch mechanism carried by said frame and engageable with said decontour means for holding said decontour means out of engagement with the wire mesh web against the urging of said bias means when said decontour means is not in use, said spindle and said support wheels being arranged in use to accommodate passage of said wire mesh web from the roll between the underlying support surface and selected ones of said support wheels in engagement therewith for providing additional decontouring of the wire mesh web as it is removed from the roll.
 9. The reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus set forth in claim 8, wherein said bias means comprises a coil spring coupled to said decontour means and to said frame.
 10. The reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus set forth in claim 8, wherein said decontour means includes a pair of substantially parallel mounting brackets pivotally mounted on said frame and spaced apart transversely thereof, said bias means including a compression spring coupled to said frame and to one of said mounting brackets.
 11. The reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus set forth in claim 8, wherein said decontour means includes a pair of substantially parallel mounting brackets pivotally mounted on said frame and spaced apart transversely thereof, a plurality of spaced-apart parallel elongated rollers aligned longitudinally of said mounting brackets and extending therebetween, the opposite ends of each of said rollers being respectively coupled to said mounting brackets for rotation of said rollers about the longitudinal axes thereof, said spindle being adapted for removal of the wire mesh web therefrom along a predetermined path extending between said mounting brackets and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said rollers in engagement therewith, whereby said rollers effect decontouring of the wire mesh web as it is removed from the roll.
 12. A reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus comprising a frame, a plurality of support wheels rotatably carried by said frame and extending therefrom in a first predetermined direction, a plurality of support legs carried by said frame and extending therefrom in a second predetermined direction, and a spindle removably mounted on said frame for rotatably supporting an associated roll of wire mesh web thereon to accommodate removal of the wire mesh web from the roll, said frame having a working configuration with said support wheels disposed in rolling engagement with an associated underlying support surface for supporting said frame thereon and with said legs out of engagement with the support surface, said frame having a loading configuration with said legs disposed in engagement with the underlying support surface for supporting said frame thereon and with said support wheels disposed out of engagement with the support surface, said frame in the working configuration thereof being operable for rolling along the support surface and placing the wire mesh web thereon as it is removed from the roll, said frame in the loading configuration thereof facilitating removal of said spindle therefrom and the loading of a roll of wire mesh web onto said spindle and the remounting of said loaded spindle on said frame.
 13. The reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus set forth in claim 12, wherein said support wheels and said support legs extend from said frame in directions substantially perpendicular to each other and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said spindle.
 14. The reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus set forth in claim 12, wherein said apparatus includes a pair of front support wheels mounted on said frame adjacent to one end thereof and spaced apart transvErsely thereof and extending therefrom in a first predetermined direction, and a pair of rear wheels mounting on said frame adjacent to the other end thereof and spaced apart transversely thereof and extending therefrom in said first predetermined direction, said support legs being mounted on said frame adjacent to said one end thereof and extending therefrom in a second direction substantially perpendicular to said first direction, said spindle being mounted on said frame adjacent to said one end thereof with the longitudinal axis of said spindle extending transversely of said frame substantially perpendicualr to said first and second directions.
 15. A reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus comprising a frame, a spindle mounted on said frame for rotatably supporting an associated roll of wire mesh web thereon to accommodate removal of the wire mesh web from the roll, mounting means accommodating mounting of said spindle in any of a plurality of different positions on said frame, and decontour means connected to said frame for engagement with an unrolled portion of the wire mesh web to effect decontouring thereof as the web is removed from the roll.
 16. The reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus set forth in claim 15, wherein said mounting means includes a plurality of pairs of mounting studs carried by said frame, the studs of each pair of studs being spaced apart transversely of said frame and adaptable for receiving thereon one end of said spindle.
 17. The reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus set forth in claim 15, wherein said mounting means includes a pair of mounting members spaced apart transversely of said frame and coupled thereto for movement longitudinally thereof, said mounting members being adapted for receiving said spindle therebetween with the opposite ends of said spindle respectively rotatably mounted on said mounting members.
 18. The reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus set forth in claim 15, wherein said mounting means includes a pair of mounting members spaced apart transversely of said frame and coupled thereto for movement longitudinally thereof, said mounting members being adapted for receiving said spindle therebetween with the opposite ends of said spindle respectively rotatably mounted on said mounting members, and further including a tray adapted to be mounted on said frame in either of two different mounting locations for carrying associated equipment, one of said mounting locations being in mounting location of the wire mesh roll for use when the wire mesh roll is not mounted on said spindle, the other of said mounting locations being clear of the mounting location of the wire mesh roll for use when the wire mesh roll is mounted on said spindle.
 19. A reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus comprising a frame, a spindle mounted on said frame for rotatably supporting an associated roll of wire mesh web thereon to accommodate removal of the wire mesh web from the roll, and bending mechanism removably mounted on said frame for engagement with an unrolled portion of the wire mesh web, said bending mechanism being selectively operable for deforming the wire mesh web to a predetermined angular configuration, whereby said bending mechanism may be readily removed from said frame without impairing the operation thereof when said bending mechanism is not in use.
 20. A reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus comprising a frame, a spindle mounted on said frame for rotatably supporting an associated roll of wire mesh web thereon to accommodate removal of the wire mesh web from the roll along a predetermined path, clamping mechanism mounted on said frame and being movable between a clamping condition for holding the wire mesh web against movement along said path and a releasing condition accommodating free movement of said wire mesh web along said path, bias means resiliently urging said clamping mechanism into the clamping condition thereof, and a bending plate mounted on said frame for movement between a web passing position and a Bending position, said bending plate in the web passing position thereof holding said clamping mechanism in the releasing condition thereof against the urging of said bias means, said bending plate in the bending position thereof accommodating movement of said clamping mechanism to the clamping condition thereof and cooperating therewith to bend the wire mesh web to a predetermined angular configuration.
 21. The reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus set forth in claim 20, wherein said bias means includes a coil spring coupled to said frame and to said clamping mechanism.
 22. The reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus set forth in claim 20, wherein said clamping mechanism includes a stationary member and a movable member, said movable member being movable toward and away from said stationary member for effecting movement of said clamping mechanism between the clamping condition and the releasing condition thereof.
 23. The reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus set forth in claim 20, and further including latch means carried by said clamping mechanism for releasably holding said bending plate in the web passing position thereof when said clamping mechanism is disposed in the releasing condition thereof.
 24. The reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus set forth in claim 20, wherein said bending plate is manually movable between the web passing position and the bending position thereof.
 25. The reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus set forth in claim 20, and further including drive means carried by said frame and coupled to said bending plate for effecting movement of said bending plate between the web passing position and the bending position thereof.
 26. A reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus comprising a frame, a plurality of support wheels rotatably coupled to said frame for rolling engagement with an associated underlying support surface to support said frame thereon, a spindle mounted on said frame for rotatably supporting an associated roll of wire mesh web thereto to accommodate removal of the wire mesh web from the roll, said spindle and said support wheels being arranged in use to accommodate passage of said wire mesh web between the underlying support surface and selected ones of said support wheels in engagement therewith for decontouring the wire mesh web as it is removed from the roll, and bending mechanism removably mounted on said frame for engagement with an unrolled portion of the wire mesh web, said bending mechanism being selectively operable for deforming the wire mesh web to a predetermined angular configuration, whereby said bending mechanism may be readily removed from said frame without impairing the operation thereof when said bending mechanism is not in use.
 27. A reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus comprising a frame, a plurality of support wheels rotatably carried by said frame and extending therefrom in a first predetermined direction, a plurality of support legs carried by said frame and extending therefrom in a second predetermined direction, a spindle removably mounted on said frame for rotatably supporting an associated roll of wire mesh web thereon to accommodate removal of the wire mesh web from the roll, said frame having a working configuration with said support wheels disposed in rolling engagement with an associated underlying support surface for supporting said frame thereon and with said legs out of engagement with the support surface, said frame having a loading configuration with said legs disposed in engagement with the underlying support surface for supporting said frame thereon and with said support wheels disposed out of engagement with the support surface, said frame in the working configuration thereof being operable for rolling along the support surface and placing the wire mesh web thereon as it is removed from the roll, said frame in the loading configuration thereof facilitating removal of said spindle therefrom and the loading of a roll of wire mesh web onto said spindle and the remounting oF said loaded spindle on said frame, and bending mechanism removably mounted on said frame for engagement with an unrolled portion of the wire mesh web, said bending mechanism being selectively operable for deforming the wire mesh web to a predetermined angular configuration, whereby said bending mechanism may be readily removed from said frame without impairing the operation thereof when said bending mechanism is not in use.
 28. A reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus comprising a frame adapted to be supported on an associated underlying support surface, a spindle mounted on said frame for rotatably supporting an associated roll of wire mesh web thereon to accommodate removal of the wire mesh web from the roll, bending mechanism mounted on said frame for engagement with the unrolled portion of the wire mesh web and being selectively operable for deforming the wire mesh web to a predetermined angular configuration, feed apparatus mounted on said frame for driving engagement with the wire mesh web and operable to effect movement thereof along a predetermined path from the roll to said bending mechanism, decontour means connected to said frame for engagement with the wire mesh web along said predetermined path to effect decontouring the wire mesh web as it is removed from the roll, drive means mounted on said frame and coupled to said feed apparatus and to said bending mechanism for effecting operation thereof, and control means coupled to said drive means and being selectively operable for controlling the actuation thereof, and further including a plurality of support wheels rotatably coupled to said frame for rolling engagement with the associated underlying support surface to support said frame thereon.
 29. A reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus comprising a frame adapted to be supported on an associated underlying support surface, a spindle mounted on said frame for rotatably supporting an associated roll of wire mesh web thereon to accommodate removal of the wire mesh web from the roll, decontour means connected to said frame for engagement with an unrolled portion of the wire mesh web to effect decontouring thereof as it is removed from the roll, said frame having a low-profile configuration wherein said spindle is disposed a first predetermined distance above the underlying support surface, said frame having a high-profile configuration wherein said spindle is disposed a second predetermined distance greater than said first predetermined distance above the underlying support surface, said frame including height-adjusting means accommodating shifting of said frame between the low-profile configuration and the high-profile configuration thereof.
 30. The reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus set forth in claim 29, wherein said height-adjusting means includes a pair of vertically extending members disposed in telescoping relationship and vertically movable with respect to each other.
 31. The reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus set forth in claim 29, wherein said height-adjusting means is manually operable for shifting said frame between the low-profile configuration and the high-profile configuration thereof.
 32. The reinforcing wire mesh working apparatus set forth in claim 29, wherein said height-adjusting means includes drive means for effecting movement of said height-adjusting between the low-profile configuration and the high-profile configuration thereof. 